maternity related issues!

[SugarBatty]

I have 2 issues I would appreciate any help or advice on any of them!

1. I work in a childrens centre, the department I work in may close soon. I am on a temporary contract until end of august this year. I have been on a temporary contract for 6 years, it just gets renewed each time. I am on mat leave due to go back after 9 months in september. If my department closes would I still have to pay back maternity pay? I received 12 weeks at 50 percent of my wage. The rule is you must return to work for 12 weeks or pay it back. If I am offered alternative hours which I can't do can I turn them down and would I have to pay back the mat pay?

1. There is a possibility there may be new vacancies available which would be term time only. I would be interested in these. However these are just possibilities they are being very slow making definite decisions. I need to know what's going on so I can arrange childcare for my dcs. I can apply for jobs within the council at other schools whilst on mat leave as its classed as the same employer. At the moment there are lots to start in september and the closing dates are soon. Should I apply for other jobs in other schools or wait it out. This is more of a wwyd by the way! I love the centre I work at now but I'm scared if I wait too long I might only be offered bad hours that don't suit my family circumstances. But if I leave for another job and then the right hours come up I'll be kicking myself!

If you've been continuously employed for 6 years then you are a permanent employee, regardless of 'temporary' contracts.

Whether you would have to pay back the additional maternity pay is entirely dependent on the terms of the scheme. If it says you must return for 12 weeks and there are no exceptions listed (eg redundancy) then yes you will have to pay it back, although if your role is redundant and they have no suitable alternative, meaning you have no option to return, many employers would waive it.

In terms of whether you apply for other jobs, I'd probably apply and see how you get on. Presumably if your department is going to close they would know that relatively soon, in which case you will know where you stand. If it's likely to close then it would be better to have got yourself hours elsewhere that work for you rather than having to either take what you're given elsewhere or nothing at all.

Thank you for the reply Flowery.

My manager is a very indecisive and last minute decision maker so I just feel it will be last minute. Think I will apply for ones I like the look of and see how it goes.